P.W.M.U. CONFERENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 300, 18 November 1940, Page 8

P.W.M.U. CONFERENCE

GIRLS’ AUXILIARY WORK. SERVICE TO MISSIONS. Airs Gladstone Hughes presided over the annual Dominion conference of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union when it was continued on Saturday in St. Andrew’s Hall. Mrs Geilatly (Girls’ Auxiliary leader) led the opening prayer and the Dominion secretary (Miss E. Campbell) read' greetings from North Invercargill Girls’ Auxiliary and the Southland Presbyterial Association. Airs Hughes welcomed the Girls’ Auxiliary delegates who were on the platform, and congratulated them on the conduct of their annual meeting, saying that tho success was probably largely due to the local members, especially their president (Airs It. L. C. Aitchison). She pointed out a map of mission fields planned by Mrs Aitchison, whom she introduced to those present. Airs Aitchison gave a short explanation of the mail and. expressed thanks to Alessrs J. Hunter and It. C. Ball, who had constructed it. She also drew attention to the auilt being embroidered with the names of members to be sent to Aliss D. Al. Alatliew, Girls’ Auxiliary Missionary in India. Mrs Hughes welcomed Aliss E. Bissett (Dominion president of the Girls’ Auxiliary) to whom she made a presentation in appreciation of her work. Aliss Bissett returned thanks, saying that credit was due to her officers, and also thanking P.W.M.U. members for their support and prayers, Mrs Rutherford Waddell (organising secretary), who had formed several new branches, and the editress of the Harvest Field. Miss Bissett moved the adoption ot the annual report, which stated that there were 94 branches and 1125 members. The amount of money contributed was £899. including £152 to the No Retrenchment Fluid—an .increase of £2B1 —and 83 parcels had been sent out. Several helpful publications had been issued. Contact had been maintained with the auxiliary’s missionary, Aliss Dorothy Mathew, of Kharar Girls’ School. The Bursary Fund had now been fully subscribed — £llO to give a student a full course at the Training Institute. Mrs Hughes congratulated the members on the report and tributes were also paid by Aiesdames P. Thompson (Stratford), It; inglis and Aliss Salmond. Sister Eileen Reid (South China) expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Girls" Auxiliary members for their prayers and work, and Mrs Waddell gave a description of handwork done by the Mrls. Mrs Hughes urged that P.VV.ALU. members encourage the Girls’ Auxiliary and form new branches.

Airs ltowntree moved the adoption of the Busy Bees report, expressing thanks to Mrs Waddell, the executive and the leaders. She detailed correspondence with the Canadian committee. -She moved that greetings be sent to Rev. T. E. Riddle and Airs Riddle (missionaries i.n the Punjab). Airs l{ own tree appealed for support and encouragement as many children received tneir only missionary education through the Busy Bees. Airs Buist, in seconding the report, paid a tribute to Airs llowntroe, which was endorsed by Airs Waddell, who described her contacts with Busy Bee “hives.” . The Busy Bee secretary reported 221

“hives” and 4107 members —an increase of nine “hives” and 186 meml>ers. They had made over £l-118 and sent 145 parcels to mission stations at home and abroad. Their special effort for the year had been the raising of £SO to provide a lectern, Bibles and a Communion table for the new Aiaoii church at Waikaremoana. Mrs Hughes suggested that tho name Busy Bees be registered, and Mrs Bowman suggested that more encouragement be given to boys in the Busy Bees. Mrs Rowntree suggested that the boys be formed into mission bands. Other names were also suggested. The boys’ organisation name was left to Mrs Rowntree. Greetings were sent to the Canadian branch. Miss J. Gordon moved theMeport on North Island Oriental goods. In spite of trouble in China and restrictions in New Zealand she was able to report a successful year. Profits amounting to £550 had been paid in for the benefit of the South China Mission. This was the same amount as last year's, which was a record. Miss Gordon thanked all helpers and said more sales had taken place since the report was compiled. She was afraid that import restrictions would prevent the obtaining of Oriental goods next year. Mrs Nichol (Ashburton) seconded the report paying a tribute to Miss Gordon. Details of the expenses and profits were discussed. The reports were adopted.

NO RETRENCHMENT. Rev. I>. N. Mac Diarmid (Director of Missions) was welcomed by Mrs Glaelstone Hughes, who spoke of the great work Mr Mac Diarmid was doing tor missionaries. Mr Mac Diarmid said that last year they had faced the possibility of retrenchment in the work they loved so well. There were still clouds on the horizon, but that particular cloud had now disappeared. He thanked the P.W.M.U. members foi their great help in preserving the mission work, not only for their financial aid, but for their inspiration. They had undertaken to cover a third of the amount required and had almost wiped out the whole deficit. He could not thank them on behalf of the Church, as the P.W.M.U. was part of the Church. Mr Mac Diarmid then dealt with present problems in China. There were difficulties in sending missionaries to China and the missionaries there were also working under great difficulties. He spoke highly of Rev. IS. G. Jansen and other workers and appealed to members to pray earnestly tor the missioners. The depletion of the staff in the New Hebrides, due to the retirement of Rev. B. Nottage, was another difficulty, but there had been a number of offers to fill the position and it had been decided to appoint Mr G. Millei LL.li., of Dunedin. Dr. Gratzer was carrying on valuable work at Kong Chuen. Several missionaries were stranded in India and the Assembly was to be asked to vote an amount to these missionaries and to China as a thanksgiving oft'eringr Mr Mac Diarmid said more ministers aud home nnssioncrs were also needed, the shortage being emphasised by the war. Discussion had taken place in the Assembly on stipends, and the matter was to come up again. Because of these difficulties the Church needed the support and encouragement of the P.W.M.U., and above all their prayers. With the increase in the cost of living and the war difficulties there had been a rising tide of giving and offers of service. they must pray that God should Send more labourers to the field. Miss E. N. Milson thanked Mr Mac Diarmid.